Six mini adventures to have at Housesteads Roman Fort

We recently read an article which said Northumberland is the kind of place where children can be children without being scowled at. We love this description and hope you feel the same!

Hadrian’s Wall is one of many places in Northumberland where this is especially true. Snaking across England from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall is an impressive piece of history that is sure to spark a child’s imagination.

Built by legionaries – the citizen-soldiers of the Roman army who were specialists in masonry, engineering and architecture – it took 15,000 men six years to build! Not just a big old wall, it is a great place to learn more about the Romans and how they’re still influencing us today.

For example, did you know street stalls and ‘fast food’, as we call it today, came to Britain with the Romans?

Start your Hadrian’s Wall adventure at Housesteads Roman Fort, the most complete Roman Fort in Britain. You can explore Roman secrets and experience the dramatic panoramic views while being taken back to the Roman Empire.

English Heritage have compiled 6 mini adventures to have whilst you’re there...

Explore the most complete Roman Fort in Britain

Wander the barrack blocks and the hospital, peer into the oldest toilets you'll ever see and admire the stunning panoramic views from this ancient fortress while enjoying the great outdoors.

Get interactive in the museum

Watch the fort brought to life in with stunning recreations of the original Roman buildings, and meet Felix, the character who guides younger visitors around. Take in the fascinating collections of Roman finds that give you a snapshot of life 2,000 years ago. See Roman altars, dedication stones, jewellery, tools and weapons, all excavated from the fort.

Take in an awe-inspiring 360-degree view point

Stand of the edge of the Roman Empire and take in the amazing panoramic views, some of the best along the entire length of the Wall.

Dress up as a Roman soldier

Children can enjoy dressing-up from the ‘Discovery Box’ while exploring the touchable replicas of Roman objects in the exhibition explained by Felix the Roman soldier. You can also follow Felix in the interpretation panels that guide you round the fort.

Try to solve the unsolvable murder

During an excavation in the 1930s, a group of archaeologists discovered two bodies under the floor of the tavern in the Roman village outside of the fort. In one of these, the tip of a dagger was found between the man’s ribs; never has that murder mystery been resolved.

Walk in the footsteps of the Romans

Venture out along the Housesteads Roman Trail to experience some of the most tranquil parts of the Northumberland National Park, while the Wall dips, winds and snakes across the dramatic landscape.

Oh, and whilst you’re there...

Make sure you check out the Hadrian’s Cavalry exhibition

Celebrating the cavalry regiments that once guarded this famous North West frontier, the major wall-wide exhibition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the role and daily life of cavalry soldiers.

The installation at Housesteads Roman Fort evokes the strength and speed of cavalry; thirty horsemen thundering towards you brandishing spears, their extraordinary helmets glittering in the sun. This is accompanied by a short film about the cavalry project.

There are many more English Heritage sites to visit along Hadrian's Wall. To find out more and plan your exciting adventure in Northumberland, check out our summer campaign #ItsInOurNature